Reggie Theus always seemed to possess the kind of talent, street sense and GQ looks that made you think he could do anything he wanted — and look better than the rest of us while doing it.

But, sometimes, that face got in the way.

It never was as easy as he made it look. Theus labored harder than many believed he did while playing high school basketball in Los Angeles, college hoops in Las Vegas and professionally in Chicago. After retiring as a player, he acted and worked in sports broadcasting.

These days, he is doing what some never envisioned.

Including Reggie Theus.

Las Cruces certainly isn't Las Vegas (OK, the city does boast its annual Whole Enchilada Fiesta), but the coach busting out in the former Runnin' Rebel isn't complaining.

Two years after New Mexico State basketball virtually turned into a mirage — and with precious little coaching experience — the 49-year-old former guard has propelled the Aggies into the NCAA tournament.

After the Aggies won the WAC title by defeating Utah State 72-70 on Saturday night, Theus momentarily was frozen with emotion as he stood at courtside.

"There have been so many things that could've taken this team down a different path," he said by phone Sunday. "I've had to bend, not only with the team but with myself in dealing with college kids. I told them I'd fight them every day if I had to because I wanted them to know what it's like to stand on the scorers' table with confetti falling on them."

They're partying like it's 1999 in Las Cruces, which is the last time the Aggies advanced to the tournament. Seeded 13th in the East, they will play Texas in the opening round. Thanks to Rick Pitino, that is.

It was Louisville's head coach who gave Theus the opportunity that so many others — including UNLV — would not. Theus, Pitino's former ace recruiter, feels he has discovered his real mission, despite the doubters whom he believes misperceived him on a number of levels, beginning with his résumé as former pro.

When he replaced Lou Henson, Theus had been a head coach for one season for the Las Vegas Slam of the American Basketball Association. He also had worked as a volunteer assistant and in summer-league games.

"I had a hard time getting a job as an assistant," he said Sunday by telephone. "I realized that my NBA background was a negative. I never thought (Pitino) would hire me, but the more people tried to talk him out of it, the more he wanted to."

Then there are those who think Theus got to where he is today because he's just another pretty face.

"I've dealt with enormous jealousy in my life. I've dealt with perceptions that go against who I am. People don't realize I cleaned toilets and scrubbed floors in high school. They don't know my background; they think I was born in Beverly Hills or Bel Air.

"There's a perception in America that always has been there: If you have green eyes and light skin (as an African-American), you're soft. You have no idea how many guys I had to beat up because of that."

These days in Las Cruces, they're wearing "Reggie Nation" T-shirts. New Mexico State does have Final Four history. The 1970 Aggies lost to UCLA in the semifinals.

But, really, who saw this coming?

We know what kind of NBA player Theus was: He is one of seven in history with at least 19,000 points and 6,000 assists, exclusive company that includes Oscar Robertson and Jerry West.

This is what kind of coach he is: Two years ago, without him, New Mexico State won six games.

A year ago, they won 16.

This season, 25.

Maybe we were fooled because Theus seemed too much like Billy Dee Williams to chase down recruits in Aliquippa, Pa., or to sweat all over Armani suits.

"He's a teacher," Tark said. "He gets on 'em, drives 'em, works 'em. He's got great knowledge of the game. And, you know, he's a great recruiter. Just imagine him going into a home and talking to the mother.

"They'll all sign."

As Aggies junior Justin Hawkins said on Selection Sunday, "Sometimes, we call him 'Pretty Ricky.' "

The return to big-time college basketball at New Mexico State is one gorgeous sight in the desert, almost as beautiful as a man finding his life's work.